Con-way Truckload announced Wednesday, May 7, that it has reduced the maximum governed speed of its 2,700-tractor fleet from 70 to 65 mph in support of an enterprisewide sustainability initiative at parent company Con-way Inc. By adjusting its fleet to run at the lower maximum highway speed, the company expects to save 2.8 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, while reducing annual carbon emissions by about 62 million pounds. The savings represent the equivalent of removing 6,300 passenger cars from America’s highways.
“Lowering our speed governors is a major step for us, and one of many that we’re taking toward conserving fuel and supporting Con-way’s enterprisewide sustainability initiative,” said Herb Schmidt, president of Joplin, Mo.-based Con-way Truckload. “We’re always looking for new ways to reduce carbon emissions and our impact on the environment, while maintaining profitability for our stakeholders and the same top-notch service our customers expect.”
Since 2005, Con-way Truckload has been a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership. SmartWay Transport is a voluntary partnership between EPA and freight industry businesses aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. Through it, the agency expects to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 33 to 66 million metric tons and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 200,000 tons by the year 2012, while saving 150 million barrels of oil annually.
In addition to reducing the maximum speed of its fleet, Con-way Truckload says it has invested in new technologies and practices in an ongoing effort to reduce its impact on the environment, including:
